What is Prevention?
Prevention is the stopping or delaying of risky health behaviors such as substance misuse, alcohol use, tobacco use, and/or gambling.
Primary Prevention
Primary prevention is reaching populations, such as youth, who have not engaged in a risky behavior to promote positive behaviors.
Secondary Prevention
Secondary prevention would reach populations that have initiated a risky behavior that may be causing problems but there is no diagnosis of a disorder, such as substance use or gambling disorders.
Tertiary Prevention
Tertiary prevention is relapse prevention for individuals who have been diagnosed with a disorder and are in recovery (Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 2020).
Mental health, substance use, and gambling disorders are among the top conditions that cause disability in the United States. Preventing these disorders or co-occurring disorders and related problems is critical to behavioral and physical health. Developing brains make youth vulnerable to injury and poor decision making, including the harmful effects of alcohol, drugs, and gambling. Parts of the brain that impact emotions, cognition, and impulse control are still developing into the early 20’s.
Implementing proactive prevention practices and awareness messaging about mental health, substance misuse, and gambling can help decrease the risk of developing such disorders for the individual and its impact on the community.
Prevention Grants
Special Population Grant Application FY2026
The Center will be offering limited grant opportunities to community organizations serving populations at-risk of problem gambling in FY 2026. The goal is to fund 30 community organizations. Each grant will be between $3,000-$10,000, depending on the reach of the organization and the number of prevention strategies proposed.
Colleges/Universities Grant Application FY2026
The Center will be offering limited grant opportunities to Maryland colleges and universities in FY 2026. The goal is to fund at least 16 colleges/universities. Each grant will be between $5,000-$15,000, depending on the reach and the amount of prevention strategies proposed. Grant funding will be available when the Center’s finalized contract is received from BHA and all funds are expended.
MDCEPG Prevention Activities
More information coming soon.
Prevention Resources
More information coming soon.
